Taekwondo

The front stance is a strong offensive position that enables you to throw effective rear leg kicks, as well as both front and rear hand strikes.

The back stance (Hugul Ja Sae) is a strong defensive position that enables you to throw front leg kicks without telegraphing your intentions.

The T-stance is a variation of the back stance. In sparring, sliding into a T-stance helps you transition into a different position or range more easily.

The attention stance (cha-ryot sogi) is used to show respect and courtesy for senior students and instructors. The traditional bow starts from the attention stance, as do all tae kwon do movements.

The fighting stance is a strong sparring position - you can attack or defend with either hand or foot.

The ready stance is the position you take at the start of your workout, before beginning a form. The Korean term for ready is chunbee, so this is sometimes called the chunbee stance.

Do you know how to block a kick aimed at your stomach or legs? A low block is an effective counter and one of the first techniques taught in karate and tae kwon do.

How would you protect your shoulders and head from an attacker's strike? Could you deflect the downward strike of a baseball bat or pool cue? When dodging the blow is not an option, the high block...

Would you know how to block a punch or a kick to the middle? A double knife-hand block will ward off the attack while setting you up for a counterattack.

A single forearm block will ward off a punch or kick aimed toward your middle, while setting you up for a counterattack.

Could you block a punch or a kick to the middle of your body while warding off a downward strike at the same time? With a C-block, you'll perform a double block that will leave you ready for a...

Would you know how to block a punch or a kick to the middle? A double forearm block will ward off the attack while setting you up for a counterattack.

Would you know how to block an attacker's strike from above or below? An x-block is a two-handed block that will ward off the attack while giving you a number of options for turning the situation...

Do you want to know how to block a punch or kick to the middle of your body? A middle-inner block will leave you ready to counterattack.

Do you know how to block a punch or a kick to the middle of your body? A knife-hand block will ward off an attack while setting you up for a strong counterattack.

How do you block a punch or a kick to the middle of your body? A middle-outer block will ward off the attack, while setting you up for a counterattack.

A double block refers to either the simultaneous use of two separate blocks or executing one block that changes into another. A mountain block combines two outside-inside forearm blocks into one...

A palm block, also known as a palm-heel block, is effective against punches or kicks and can be used as a defensive parry to set up for a counterstrike.

Would you know how to block a punch or a kick to the middle? A cross block will leave you ready to counterstrike.

The spear block was used in ancient times to protect the martial artist's body from a spear thrust. Today it's used to deflect many types of kicks.

The punch/pull technique is really a one-two combination of a straight punch with a reverse punch. Simultaneous forward and reverse directions traveled by the arms provide tremendous power.

The palm strike is a very effective self-defense technique for in-close fighting. It has a direct and short striking path, while generating considerable power.

The reverse ridge hand strike is effective for in-close fighting. Unlike a direct strike, the reverse ridge hand travels a short circular route to surprise the attacker.

The front kick (Ap Chaki) is used for targets directly in front of you and is one of the first kicking techniques learned in Tae Kwon Do. Performed correctly, it's among the most powerful.

If an attacker blocks your path, a roundhouse kick to the side will give you a chance to escape. Fast and deceptive, the roundhouse kick is an excellent self-defense technique.

Aha! Now here's a subject I know something about. I took Tae Kwon Do for about 3 1/2 years. My side kick was my best kick. I was about 5' and I could kick over my dad's head easily...and he's...

If you're running a tournament for taekwondo or any branch of martial arts, you must get out the word to ensure the competition's success. By identifying your potential participant base and...

There isn't anything that raises more fear and nervousness than testing for a new rank in Tae Kwon Do, whether it be for yellow or black belt. As a student, parent, and an instructor myself, I've...

One of the more difficult strikes to learn in Tae Kwon Do is the Reverse Full Twist Punch. While the movements aren't difficult, the nature of making it a reverse technique can become difficult to...

If you are thinking of taking Taekwondo classes, or have just begun, most programs will permit you to take class (especially when you're starting out) in simple, loose clothing. However, as you...

If you are in the advanced stages of Taekwondo and want to practice your skills in offensive sparring techniques, there are plenty to choose from. The mid-air 180-degree reverse back-piercing kick...

Tae Kwon Do is South Korea's national sport. When translated into English, Tae Kwon Do means "The way of the foot and the fist." A fake side piercing kick to a sliding back fist is a technique...

The martial art style Tae Kwon Do is a form of the ancient Korean fighting style Taekkyeon. The original reason for Taekkyeon training was to develop speed, strength, discipline and survival...

Anyone studying the martial art of Tae Kwon Do has to master hand combinations to succeed. Hand combinations are used to confuse and strike the opponent with multiple attacks. If performed...

Once you have mastered intermediate-level Tae Kwon Do moves, it is time to move to more advanced techniques. A side kick and reverse spinning hook kick combination is an offensive move that can...

Tae Kwon Do is South Korea's national sport, and a turning kick is frequently used in competition. This move can make your opponent step back and away from you. Work on this combination until you...

Taekwondo is a Korean martial art known for its spectacular kicks. A front snap kick and a side kick combination is an advanced move in taekwondo. This combination consists of 2 basic kicks,...

The reverse downward kick in taekwondo is a spinning kick, which is a little harder to master. As such, the downward kick is an advanced move in taekwondo. Some schools refer to this as an axe...

Blocking is the most fundamental element of Taekwondo. It is important for both sparring and self-defense so spend due diligence getting your blocks just right. This guide will teach you how to...

The front snap kick in Taekwondo is one of the basic kicking maneuvers to master. It's a good self-defense move and perhaps the simplest of the Taekwondo kicks. Most of the Taekwondo forms contain...

Blocking may be the most essential thing you will learn in Taekwondo. Blocking is important in both sparring and self-defense, so the mastery of blocks is the first thing you will typically learn...

Knife-hand blocks utilize an open hand block. When performing a knife hand block, you want to strike with the heel, or the lower part of the outside edge of your hand. Knife-hand blocks are used...

In Taekwondo, it is vital that you protect your head and upper body. Strikes that connect with your head are usually technically advanced, meaning your opponent may get extra points. Also a blow...

The walking stance in Taekwondo is one of the fundamental stances and probably the one you will use most often. Use the walking stance for attacking, while moving your momentum forward and for...

It's not enough to kick or strike and then wait for a counter attack in taekwondo. As your taekwondo training becomes more advanced, you learn how to piece together basic moves into combinations,...

In Taekwondo, you will have to utilize combinations to compete against advanced fighters. One potent combination is an advanced three-kick combo. The first kick makes your opponent react which...

You use your hands for both offense and defense in Taekwondo by punching and with basic blocking. You also can use your feet. Checking kicks can block an opponent's attack with your legs. Here is...

Taekwondo uses the body's rotation to leverage deadly strong punches against opponents. The middle fore-fist punch is one of the fastest and most powerful of taekwondo's devastating hand strikes.

Known for its emphasis on kicking techniques, Tae Kwon Do is a challenging form of martial arts. One of the more powerful kicks is the mid-air front snap kick. The information below will help you...

One of the basic kicks in Taekwondo is the front kick, or the front snap kick. You perform the kick by snapping your kicking leg straight in front of you. The side front snap kick is a variation...